Babies
Every year, International Day of the Midwife, 5 May, recognises a profession that plays a key role in some of life’s most profound moments.
Behind every safe birth and healthy newborn is a midwife whose role extends well beyond what is immediately visible.
For Anna Duarte, Clinical Quality Specialist: Obstetrics at Mediclinic Southern Africa, this day of global recognition goes beyond the professional – it is deeply personal. “It’s always about women and their babies,” she says. “Putting the spotlight on maternity care.”
The backbone of maternal healthcare
Midwives play a vital role across every stage of pregnancy, from antenatal care to delivery and the postpartum period. “The profession is vital because we save lives,” Duarte explains. “We’re often the first point of contact in maternal healthcare, identifying and managing complications early, which reduces maternal and infant deaths. But our role extends beyond clinical care to advocacy, education, and trust. When educating a woman, you are in effect educating a family.”
Training the next generation of midwives
Midwifery is a deliberate career path that blends academic rigour with extensive hands-on clinical experience. “It takes passion and commitment,” says Duarte.
In South Africa, aspiring midwives typically complete a four-year nursing and midwifery degree or pursue a postgraduate qualification if they’re already registered nurses. This is followed by clinical training at accredited facilities and registration with the South African Nursing Council (SANC). At Mediclinic, registered nurses can also specialise further through structured training pathways, supported by the organisation’s education department.
Mediclinic ensures that development continues well beyond qualification. Programmes like Mediclinic Midwifery Skills Enrichment Training (MMSET), based on Essential Steps in Managing Obstetric Emergencies (ESMOE), combine theory with simulation training to keep skills current. This is supported by e-learning, continuous professional development courses, and regular knowledge-sharing. Mentorship is also key, with students and newly qualified midwives receiving structured guidance and support.
The multifaceted demands of midwifery
“A typical day is a blend of high-intensity procedures and deep emotional support,” says Duarte. From monitoring labour and assisting with deliveries to managing emergencies and supporting families, the role requires both clinical precision and emotional intelligence.
“Because babies don’t follow schedules, a relaxed moment in a midwife’s day can quickly switch to a supercharged one,” she adds. Despite the challenges, including shift work and limited time with each patient, the rewards remain powerful. “It’s a privilege to be part of the birthing process, to witness a couple becoming a family, and to support and empower women as they become mothers.”
Maternal health support goes beyond medical care
Midwifery sits at the intersection of science and human connection. “The word ‘midwife’ means ‘with woman’,” Duarte explains.
Midwives take a holistic approach, supporting mothers medically while also providing continuous emotional care. “They bridge the gap between medicine and emotional care through education – explaining the ‘why’ behind the ‘what’. This helps reduce fear.”
A career with purpose and growth
The profession offers both purpose and progression. Within Mediclinic, career paths include education, academia, and nursing management, alongside opportunities to grow into senior clinical roles.
“Our midwives are not choosing a job or a speciality; they’re choosing to be life changers and life savers,” says Duarte. In South Africa, where skilled midwives are in high demand, the profession offers both meaningful impact and strong job security. “Doctors deliver a baby; midwives deliver a family,” she adds.
The future of midwifery
The role of midwives continues to evolve. Today, they are recognised as autonomous clinical professionals and primary care providers for low-risk pregnancies and are increasingly integrated into digital health platforms and patient-centred models of respectful care.
“The role is no longer confined to a labour ward,” Duarte says. “Because midwifery isn’t just about delivering babies – it’s about delivering futures.”